Mac Baren Old Dark Fired
Woodsman
Master
in Tobacco Talk
P&C has Mac Baren Old Dark Fired on sale for $2.05 per oz. for over 4 oz.
Comments
<<A bold flake of dark-fired burleys in a well balanced unity with flue cured Virginias. This flake is hot pressed, meaning that during the pressing, heat is added by steam to the tobaccos which causes the tobacco to intensify the marrying process giving us a bolder tobacco. The robust, earthly flavour of the dark-fired burleys shines through in the taste, and you will experience a deeply satisfying smoke indeed.
Notes: One of the most fascinating parts about this tobacco that will be sure to confuse a lot of American pipe smokers is that, despite the fact that HH Old Dark Fired contains zero latakia, Mac Baren still considers it an English because of the method used in its production, specifically the steam press.>>
Review by the legendary JimInks:
<<It's a little closer to medium than strong in regard to strength and taste, but I think it depends on how used to strong tobaccos you are. Earthy, nutty Burleys and earthy, very mildly dark fruit sweet Virginias work in darn near perfect harmony, and you can taste both in every single puff. There's a natural sweetness that was enhanced by being steam pressed: mild nuttiness, tart and/or slightly sour and tangy at times, with a bit of earth, wood and smoky quality as well as a bit of spice from the dark fired Kentucky. There's very slight vinegar hit from the binder. The complexity works to its advantage. I didn't really get the fruit strength some have noted. There may be some flakes that are more complex, but not by a whole lot, and this gives you plenty enough as it is. Burns at slightly less than a moderate pace, fairly evenly, and is tinned at the perfect moisture level with a decent nic-hit that gets stronger as you smoke along. Needs a few relights, but the taste is consistent form start to finish, and little moisture is left in the bowl. I recommend a slow puffing cadence for best effect.
There are stronger tobaccos. I find these burleys work better with the Virginias than other kinds of dark-fired ones; not too strong to knock you off your feet, and certainly not weak.>>
@Woodsman, I too have trouble with some strong tobaccos, both in pipe tobacco as well as cigars.
@thebadgerpiper, seems like something that should be smoked after a full meal and in small amounts.